Sesame milk for coffee

Can you put sesame milk in coffee?

Yes. Sesame milk, made from sesame seeds or sesame paste, adds a nutty, rich and slightly savory note. Coffee writers describe tahini, which is ground sesame paste, as rich, nutty and lightly savory, and say it balances coffee bitterness. Expect a different latte than with oat or dairy milk.

How to make a sesame latte

1. Warm the sesame milk until steaming but not boiling.
2. Brew strong coffee or espresso.
3. Pour the coffee into the cup and add the warm milk, or blend coffee and milk for about 15 seconds for a frothy top.
4. Sweeten with honey, maple or date syrup if you like.

If you only have tahini, one tip is to whisk 1 to 2 teaspoons of tahini with 1 to 2 tablespoons of sweetener, then add coffee and milk. Blend or shake it; one source says tahini emulsifies well with milk this way, and brewing directly over the paste can leave it gritty.

Tips for better coffee

• Shake or stir first: sesame milk can settle.
• Go gently on heat: keep it below boiling. We found no source that tested curdling, so try a small cup first with your coffee.
• Use medium or dark roast: coffee writers say these pair well with sesame.
• Try add-ins: vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom and a pinch of salt.
• Froth: a handheld frother or blender helps; blending for about 15 seconds is suggested for tahini lattes.

Check the label

Sesame is a major allergen, so avoid it if you are allergic. Nutrition varies: tahini adds nearly 90 calories and 8 g of fat per tablespoon, and ready-made sesame milks differ in sugar and calcium. Read the Nutrition Facts.